I have my own, very strong views, about actions that our government should take regarding guns. I’m not going to push those on you. But if you are heartsick, know that we, as letter writers, have a power. Letters are taken more seriously than emails or Facebook or Twitter.

A template of a letter, which does, indeed, express my very strong feelings. I provide it only as an example because sometimes grief robs us of our words.

Dear [representative]

I am heartsick about the shootings that keep happening. Orlando was the most recent, and largest, but by no means unique. I want my government to make this stop by passing comprehensive gun control laws.

When you consider what it takes to own a car, which has other purposes, is it too much to ask that we are as stringent with firearms? While there are legitimate uses for guns, most Americans own them as a hobby and are improperly trained. Any other hobby, with this high of a death rate, would have been banned long ago.
Please. Please make sure that there is never another Columbine, or Sandy Hook, or Virginia Tech, or Orlando. Please step up and make this stop. It’s why we elected you.

Sincerely yours,

[Name]

You and I? We understand the power of letters. So please…. Please write a letter today.

*I will note that Postable.com allows you to write one letter and send it to multiple addresses. Before writing, simply choose “More options” and then “Carbon Copy.” The letter will look handwritten and they will put it in an envelope and send it to your senator for you. All you have to do is supply the address and the content.

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21 thoughts on “[Wayback Repost] Why do letters seem more daunting than email?”

Having been a letter writer for several years now, I don’t particularly find this challenge all that difficult, other than remembering to do it every day instead of when the whim takes me to write. And since I may not have a penpal’s letter to answer, then I need to think outside my normal circle of penpals and write to others. I saw this as an opportunity to reconnect with a few old penpals that had lapsed, family members that live outside of the city, friends I haven’t seen in a while, and strangers or persons of stature. I think it’s a great challenge and maybe it will even boost the joy of those who process all this mail and deliver it to us. 🙂

Yesterday the commenting seemed broken. I was commenting on the printable cards to slip into letters explaining LetterMo, but this WayBack showed up at the bottom of every post I opened. Sorry about that~

Email, tweets n twitters, FB comments all have their place and moment in time where they are the appropriate way to respond.

However, sending a letter, postcard, or notecard is the only way to connect with someone on a more personal, even intimate, level.

The act of sending a missive does take time, but more importantly it takes thought. What paper will I use? What will I add (stickers, washi, etc.)? What will I say? Combined these choices will be a bright spot in someone’s day. Added bonus? It was created specifically for them.

Great article on postcard apps but you should also take a look at Postsnap’s easy to use postcard app.http://www.postsnap.comhttps://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/postsnap-best-postcard-sending/id650814139?mt=8
The app offers a number of unique features compared to the other apps reviewed including:
– Guest checkout with Apple Pay
– Extensive personalization options including collage layouts, stylish borders which can be adjusted in size with a slider and the option to add editable text in a variety of font types and colors and position it anywhere on the cards
– iPhone and iPad support
– Apple Pencil support
– Facebook and Instagram integration
– US postal address verification and UK postcode lookup
Cards are printed and posted in our facilities in the UK, USA and Australia on the same or next working day and so cards typically arrive quickly. Enjoy!
Stephen Homer
Founder
Postsnap

I love Tomoe River paper for letter writing. I buy 100 sheets at a time and print my own mermaid stationery. I found an envelope that I like and ordered a mermaid address stamp and finish it off with mermaid washi tape.

I too love journals to pull apart for writing. For me the most important aspect of the paper is the pattern. I love to have some colour and some design on the paper. I’ve managed to find a number of nice colours and designs at one of my local “Home Sense” discount stores in the book section. Most of the small journals are a perfect size to fit in the envelopes I use. If not I just give one edge a bit of a trim (but sometimes I really like the ripped edge look too!) ;P

Hi, Christmas cards & more recently a letter (a bill) from the UK to Australia have taken 3 weeks to arrive. The exterior of these envelopes were stamped with a mark such as this from the latest envelope:
DLC 992-4
14:55
26/07/2017
The example quoted arrived at the Australian address on 28/07/2017, unfortunately it contained a bill dated 06/07/2017 which had to be paid within 14 days, by 20/07/2017.
Why is the post so slow? What does the DLC 992-4 stamp signify? Would appreciate your feedback.

My letter that I wrote was in September. The person who it was for still hasn’t gotten it and it’s now November….
I don’t understand why it’s taking this long. I live in AZ and he lives in NY. I want answers.